Part-Time Work Opportunities for Students in Germany: Complete 2025 Guide
Many Indian students dream of studying in Germany not just for free or low-cost education, but also for the chance to earn while learning. The good news? Germany offers excellent part-time job opportunities for international students — if you know the rules and how to find them.
Legal Work Hours for Students in Germany
- 120 full days OR 240 half days in a year.
- You cannot work full-time during regular classes.
- You can work full-time during semester breaks.
How Much Can You Earn? (2025 Pay Rates)
Job Type | Average Hourly Wage |
Student Assistant (HiWi) | €12 – €15/hour |
Café/Restaurant Staff | €10 – €12/hour |
Retail Helper | €11 – €13/hour |
Delivery/Logistics Jobs | €12 – €16/hour |
Babysitting/Tutoring | €15 – €20/hour |
Average Monthly Income: €450 – €850 (₹40,000 – ₹75,000)
💡 Earnings under €538/month are tax-free as of 2025.
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2025 Part-Time Job Pay Rates in Germany
Job Type | Average Hourly Wage (€) | Notes |
Student Assistant (HiWi) | €12 – €16 | Varies by university and qualification level. |
Café/Restaurant Staff | €12.82 – €14 | Reflects the minimum wage; tips can significantly increase earnings. |
Retail Helper | €13 – €15 | Often includes positions like cashiers and sales assistants. |
Delivery/Logistics Jobs | €15 – €23 | Rates vary based on employer and experience. |
Babysitting/Tutoring | €13 – €20 | Higher rates for experienced individuals or specialized subjects. |
Earnings and Taxation
- Monthly Income: Students typically earn between €450 – €850 per month, depending on hours worked and job type.
- Tax-Free Threshold: As of 2025, earnings up to €556 per month are tax-free under the Mini-Job scheme.
- Minimum Wage: The statutory minimum wage in Germany is €12.82 per hour. bakertilly.deDAAD+7Playroll+7PamGro+7
Key Considerations
- Work Hour Limits: International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms.
- Language Requirements: Proficiency in German can enhance job prospects, especially in customer-facing roles.
Job Availability: Larger cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt offer more opportunities, but competition may be higher.
Types of Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in Germany
On-Campus Jobs
- Research or teaching assistant (HiWi)
- Library assistant
- Admin/IT support ✅ Language: English-friendly
Off-Campus Jobs
- Supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, Rewe)
- Restaurants, cafés, delivery services (Lieferando)
- Warehouses/logistics (Amazon, DHL) ⚠️ May require basic German skills
Online Jobs
- Freelance writing or design
- Social media or digital marketing
- Coding or tutoring (Upwork, Preply)
Documents Required to Start Working
- Valid residence permit
- Student visa & university enrollment proof
- Tax ID (Steuer-ID)
- Health insurance certificate
- German bank account
Best Student Cities in Germany for Part-Time Jobs
- Berlin – Tech, media, delivery, language jobs
- Munich – High-paying retail & university jobs
- Frankfurt – Finance, airport, logistics
- Stuttgart – Engineering, automotive
- Cologne/Düsseldorf – Retail, events, restaurants
Tips to Find Part-Time Jobs in Germany (Faster!)
- Register with your university’s career service center
- Use job portals: Indeed.de, Stepstone.de, Glassdoor.de
- Join student groups on Facebook & WhatsApp
- Print your resume in German & English
- Apply in person to cafes or shops near campus
Rules & Taxes to Remember
- Earnings under €538/month = tax-free
- If you earn above, you get a Tax ID and may need to file tax returns
- Don’t exceed 120 full days/year, or apply for approval
- Part-time work cannot affect your academic performance
How Abroad Study Rover Helps You
- Pre-arrival job tips
- Resume-building & job portal training
- Help applying for part-time jobs
- Basic German language tips
- Full post-arrival support